A voluntary hospital

We are used to having the National Health Service providing free healthcare. When the Victoria was built things were different. Donations paid for the hospital. In return, donors could give sick employees or acquaintances lines of admission to the hospital. Patients needed a line to be admitted, except for accident and emergency cases.

Churches, businesses and workers’ associations gave money to the hospital and sent members there for treatment. In 1890, for example, Queen’s Park UP Church gave £15, while workers at Dubs and Company’s Glasgow Locomotive Works gave £100.

Seats on the Board of Governors were reserved for workers’ representatives.

Some people found it difficult to get a line of admission. Their only option was the poor law hospital, regarded as shameful and degrading.